Shark Class Destroyers.
 


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1935 and the implementation of a dual purpose gun system was put into production in a destroyer class. The previous River class had the same 4.5" gun but the new power operated turrets and guns made a difference in rate-of-fire as well as being very useful against both surface and air targets. Putting the guns into two twin turrets left extra space aft for extra depth charge handling, while forward allowed an extra twin 40mm. The biggest change was the extra breadth required to mount the twin turret, which also helped address the added topweight of the turret versus the open mountings.


Displacement: 1,750 tons standard, 2,400 tons full load.
Dimensions: 323 x 38 x 12 feet
Machinery: 2 shaft, steam turbines, 42,000shp
Speed: 35 knots
Endurance: 4,500 miles @ 14 knots.
Armour: nil
Armament:
4 x 4.5" (2x2)
6 x 40mm (3x2)
8 x 21" torpedoes (2x4)
Crew: 150


The ten years 1935 to 1945 were a period of massive change for warships, the introduction of dual purpose weapons and then to automatic weapons were one change but an even bigger change was the electronic equipment designed to improve the hit and kill rate of the new guns. 1939-42 changed ships like the Hammerhead above to the Mako below. Electronics and extra AA equipment sprouted everywhere.



As refitted to 1940
Displacement: 1,800 tons standard, 2,50 tons full load.
Dimensions: 323 x 38 x 12 feet
Machinery: 2 shaft, steam turbines, 42,000shp
Speed: 35 knots
Endurance: 4,500 miles @ 14 knots.
Armour: nil
Armament:
4 x 4.5" (2x2)
10 x 40mm (5x2)
8 x 21" torpedoes (2x4)
Crew: 150
 


Hammerhead (1935) Service/Fate

Mako (1935) Service/Fate

 

 

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